Method and Means for Drilling an Earthen Hole

ABSTRACT

An earthen hole drilling device having an elongated tube with first and second ends where a source of vacuum pressure is connected to the first end and shroud is connected to the second end. A waterline is connected to a source of pressurized water at one end and extends into an interior of the shroud through an opening where the line is connected to a nozzle that is angled at 45°. The shroud additionally has at least one opening that allows air induction/conduction through the shroud in order to dislodge material that accumulates within the shroud.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a device for drilling an earthen hold and more particularly to an improved air induction jet gun.

Drilling small diameter holes for fence posts, wells and the like are commonly accomplished by mechanical means, such as augers, which leave a substantial amount of residue on the ground surface where the hole is created. This residue is usually present also when hydraulic means are used to create the hole. Mechanical means are unsatisfactory for use in exploratory drilling to locate the position of an underground line, because the drilling apparatus may sever or damage the line when the line is located. Also, hole digging typically consumes considerable labor and either mechanical or hydraulic power.

To improve upon these methods, air induction jet guns have been used so as not to damage underground lines, remove residue, and reduce labor. An example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,667 by Van Zante et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While this device was an improvement over mechanical and hydraulic means occasionally mud created in the hole could clog the gun or the gun could become stuck in the mud due to suction. Thus, a need exists in the art for a device that improves upon these deficiencies.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a device that removes a pool of mud that accumulates within an earthen hole.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a device that does not suck down in the bottom of an earthen hole.

These and other objectives will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based upon the written description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An earthen hole drilling device that has an elongated tube with first and second ends. A source of vacuum pressure is connected to the first end of the tube and a shroud is connected to the second end of the tube. A waterline is connected to a source of pressurized water at one end and extends into an interior of the shroud through an opening where the line is connected to a nozzle. Additionally, the shroud has at least one opening through which air flows in order to create air induction that assists in dislodging material that accumulates on the shroud.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the device connected to an appropriate discharge reservoir to receive the debris from the drilling operation;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged scale elevation view of the device of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged scale sectional view of a nozzle; and

FIG. 4 is a cut-away partial sectional view of a hole being drilled by the apparatus of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the figures, a liquid waste disposal vehicle 10 has a frame 12, a tongue 14, and a rotatable support wheel 16. A motor 18 is mounted on frame 12 and is operatively connected to a hydraulic pump 20 and a vacuum pump 22. Vacuum pump 22 is connected to a vacuum tank 24 and a discharge gate 26 by a vacuum line 28.

A first water line 30 connects water pump 20 to water tank 30A. A second water line 31 connects water tank 30A with the hole creating assembly 38. A vacuum port 32 is located on the rearward end of the vacuum tank 24, and an elongated flexible vacuum line 34 is connected to port 32. The outward end of vacuum line 34 terminates in connector 36.

The hole creating assembly 38 includes a rigid tube 40 which has an upper end 42 and a lower end 44. The upper tube is connected to the vacuum pump 34 by means of connector 36. A pair of handles 46 is secured to tube 40 adjacent the upward end. A clamp 48 extends around tube 40 and embraces water line 31A which is connected to water line 31. A valve 50 is imposed in line 31A and is selectively opened and closed by operating arm 52 to permit water under pressure to be delivered to pipe 31A or shut off.

A cone shaped shroud 54 is secured to the lower end 44 of tube 40, and has an upper end 56 and a lower end 58. Shroud 54 has an outwardly protruding shoulder 60 with an aperture 62. A hydraulic nozzle 64 is connected to pipe 31A, which extends through aperture 62 such that nozzle 64 preferably dwells completely within interior 65 of shroud 54. Preferably, pipe 31A is bent such that nozzle 64 is set to spray at approximately a 45° angle in relation to the central axis of tube 42. In addition, adjacent the lower end 58 of the shroud 54 is at least one and preferably more vents or openings 67.

Nozzle 64 has a rotary impeller 66 which imparts a rotary motion to water under pressure being delivered to the nozzle through water line 31A. The water under pressure causes the impeller 66 to float slightly upwardly so as to permit water under pressure through vacuum tube 34 to be deposited in tank 24. As the material 74 is pulled upwardly and outwardly from shroud 54, the assembly moves downwardly into the earth to create a hole 76. Air flows from the hole 76 through openings 67 on the lower end 58 of the shroud 54. This creates air induction that assists in dislodging material 74 that accumulates on the end of the shroud 54 and also prevents assembly 38 from sticking to the bottom of hole 76.

Therefore, a device has been disclosed that at the very least meets all the stated objectives. 

1. An earthen hole drilling device comprising: an elongated tube having first and second ends; a source of vacuum pressure connected to the first end of the tube; a shroud connected to the second end of the tube; a water line connected to a source of pressurized water at one end and extends into an interior of the shroud through an opening where the line is connected to a nozzle; and the shroud has at least one opening.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is disposed within the interior of the shroud.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the line is bent such that the nozzle is set to spray at approximately a 45° angle in relation to a central axis of the tube.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein air flows through the at least one opening to create air induction that assists in dislodging material that accumulates on the shroud. 